ROAD TEST: KTM ADVENTURE 1050 (CBU)

ROAD TEST: KTM ADVENTURE 1050 (CBU)

The KTM 1050 Adventure is made for adventure as we took the CBU Adventure from a dealer for an Adventure of our own. The 1050 is a little smaller, lighter and with lower fuel consumption, than the 1190 Adventure. It is a supremely competent and well equipped motorcycle at an attractive price. Traction control with different modes and ABS come as standard. The engine is built with the same state-of-the art technology as the 1190 engine and even though the engine is a little smaller, it delivers nearly the same power and torque up to 95 hp . It represents the easy entry into the world of adventure travel. The chassis combines lightness with outstanding geometry and well-balanced suspension, which, together with tyres from Metzeler, allows undreamed of riding enjoyment in all conditions and at whatever speed you desire, from very relaxed to very, very fast corners.

CHASSIS
With its ultra-lightweight yet extremely stable tubular trellis frame, the high strength, die-cast, open-lattice swingarm and high quality suspension components from WP Suspension, the KTM 1050 Adventure meets every demand when it comes to stability and controllability. Cast wheels, 19-inch up front; 17-inch at the rear – prize-winning tyres and appropriate suspension travel optimise its talents on the asphalt. Unrivalled braking from world-renowned, market leader Brembo, coupled with assistance systems (Traction control and ABS), developed in close collaboration with Bosch, round off the package and help balance the 1050 Adventure in terms of ride dynamics and safety. Top-quality components from world-class suppliers come together to create the 1050 Adventure’s chassis. They combine the pure riding pleasure that is the KTM trademark with the best possible feedback and maximum safety.

POWER-TO-WEIGHT RATIO
The outstanding combination of lightweight engineering in the chassis and likewise a very light and powerful engine make the KTM 1050 Adventure top of its class in terms of power-to-weight ratio and ride dynamics. Its weight of only 230 kg, fully tanked with a substantial 23 litres of fuel, makes the 1050 Adventure – in typical KTM style – one of the lightest motorcycles in its segment. Further reasons for the fantastic ride dynamics are the outstanding geometry, the well-balanced stiffness distribution and the high quality of suspension components used. These ingredients not only result in nimble handling, they are also a boost to safety, since it is far easier to pilot a lightweight, agile motorcycle around a source of danger than a heavy one.

Whats an adventure without selfies and wefies!

Dry weight of 212kg and seat height 850mm, was not a problem for our test rider.

Dry weight of 212kg and seat height 850mm, was not a problem for our test rider.

Our test rider wearing Airoh T600 Helmet

ABS
The Bosch 9M+ two-channel, anti-lock braking system on the 1050 Adventure means extremely short braking distances with optimum vehicle control. The system modulates brake pressure in such a way that wheel lock-up is prevented perfectly and the “endo” tendency is minimised when braking hard on surfaces with good grip. ABS can be deactivated at both the front and rear wheel. In optional “Offroad” mode, only the rear wheel is freed from ABS intervention, giving the rider perfect control on differing unmade surfaces.

MODE SWITCH
Different modes for the various assistance systems can be selected using a mode switch on the left side of the handlebar. It’s very simple and intuitive: “up” and “down” through the menu selection, select the desired menu item with the left button, confirm it with the right, job done!

COCKPIT
State-of-the-art instrument cluster from automotive supplier VDO: central permanent LCD for displaying all riding conditions (plus speedo and rev counter with adjustable gearshift light), a further LCD on the left displays the adjustable features:
» Favourites page
» Ride modes
» Riding conditions page for additional info, e.g. outside, onboard voltage, various trips, average speed, average and current fuel consumption, range, distance to next service

OUTSTANDING PACKAGE PRICE
Work it out for yourself: The KTM 1050 Adventure is not only the lightest, most powerful and versatile travel enduro, but also the one with the best equipment package. As a result, you get – at an already very affordable entry-level price – so much more for your money than from any other bike in its class.
Extensive standard equipment:
» ABS
» TC (Traction Control)
» Multi-function cockpit
» Daytime running light
» Adjustable ergonomics
» Adjustable windshield height
» Immobiliser
» Aluminum handlebar, ball-burnished and tapered
» Luggage rack and case brackets
» Servo fan
» Handguards

Our Adventure on an Adventure
We took the KTM 1050 Adventure from Sheng Kong Motor (Rawang) and immediately rode in the rain and wet roads, the ABS and Traction Control was doing its job when ever we hit a big patch of water on the road. In the wet corners too, on got a little slide and get Metz tyres are back on grip.
The nimble 1050 Adventure took us through the twisty corners of Batang Kali, Gotong Jaya and Bukit Tinggi.TC (TRACTION CONTROL)
As an integral part of the 1050 Adventure´s safety package, TC (Traction Control) makes use of the rapid intervention time of the ride-by-wire system to reduce power delivery to safe level. It guarantees sporty yet completely controllable drive on all surfaces. Its intervention is indicated by a flashing LED in the VDO multi-function display. Depending on the engine mode selected by the rider, TC permits differing levels of rear wheel slip. TC offers three different ride modes (plus OFF, Offroad mode optional), selected using the multi-functional switch on the left handlebar grip. Developed in close collaboration with Bosch, it reacts in a matter of milliseconds if the rear wheel begins to rotate too rapidly for the riding conditions.
TC modes are activated by changing the engine modes:
» Sport: Something for the courageous to try: Allows a respectable and perceptible amount of slippage – drift-feeling all-inclusive!
» Street: Smooth control for comfortable, unruffled riding with full engine power.
» Rain: Early intervention and minimum slippage in the wet.
» Offroad (optional): Up to 100 per cent slippage – i.e. double the wheel speed – for ambitious offroad use. Have a go at controlled offroad drifts!
» Off: Those who know better than the TC can enjoy maximum propulsion at all times, exactly how they like it, without electronic assistance.

Share the Post

About the Author

Profile:
The passion of riding grew even stronger as I was exposed to all kind of bikes, let it be motocross, enduro, supermoto, superbike, supernaked, even classic bikes. With more than 28 years on the saddle of many bikes, you can expect I will give my honest opinion on all the bikes I have test ridden on road, off-road or on track. Motojournalism is my passion. Love the international press launches. Riding with Valentino Rossi riding an Aprilia even before he became 125 champion, Loris Campirossi, Troy Bayliss at 2012 Ducati Riding Experience (DRE), Jeremy McWilliams Superduke Launch, Tony Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings in Italy at KTM 2014 off-road launch.

i-Moto is an online motorcycle media & content provider and online classified for motorcycle dealer and motorcycle part and accessories distributor to showcase its products to motorcyclist in Malaysia and to other countries in Asia.